As a coach, expectations - both from yourself and others - can feel overwhelming and often driven by fear or the pursuit of success. We are not called to eliminate these expectations, but to redeem them, aligning them with God's purposes rather than personal pride or external pressure. By leading with humility, patience, and grace, setting high standards, and prioritizing encouragement over fear, we create a team culture where athletes and coaches thrive. When we embrace our own weakness, rely on God, and motivate through love rather than intimidation, we model Christlike leadership and grow into the coaches God desires us to be.

Unit Five – Expectations
 
Lesson One – The Strength of Weakness in Sport
In this article, we're reminded that the true strength in sport isn't about appearing invincible - it's about embracing weakness as the space where God's power is made perfect. Jesus modeled this through humility, service, and surrender, showing that real leadership doesn't hide limitations but allows them to reveal God's glory. For coaches, weakness becomes the foundation for authentic growth, deeper relationships, and a Christ-centered culture of grace.
 
Lesson Two – 10 Commandments for Coaches from Philippians
Philippians gives coaches a framework for Christ-centered leadership - calling them to lead with humility, unity, joy, gentleness, and prayerful dependence on God. It reshapes coaching expectations from performance and control to faithfulness and spiritual formation, reminding coaches that true success is measured by how they reflect Christ, not just by wins and losses. 
 
Lesson Three – Coaches, Fear Shouldn't Be Your Primary Motivational Tactic
Many coaches default to fear as a motivator, but this approach often stifles growth, creativity, and trust. Fear-driven coaching can arise from insecurity, immaturity, or the desire for control, and while it may produce short-term results, it damages long-term athlete development and team culture. Instead, love, encouragement, and servant leadership create an environment where athletes can perform freely, take healthy risks, and develop both character and skill. Modeling patience, grace, and trust mirrors Christ's leadership and transforms not only athletes' performance but their hearts.